Hollins Martin, Caroline J 2007, 'A difficult choice' , AIMS Journal, 19 (2) , pp. 9-11.

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (3581kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Much of my working life has been spent as a midwife where I gradually became aware of authority/subordinate relationships within the workplace. As a practitioner these were part of everyday working life. It became clear to me that authority structures impose restrictions within the working environment that inevitably on occasion inhibit midwives from providing the woman-centred care that is directed by social policy documents.1, 2, 3 The rhetoric of ‘woman-centred care’ is difficult to achieve in a hierarchy that appoints people to positions of authority. Once in position, authority has the power to redefine norms and objectives4, which may conflict with what a woman wants from her personal birth experience.

Actions (login required)